http://www.pressargus.com/articles/2011/03/30/news/news03_033011.txt
VB city official arrested
by TANIAH TUDOR, Press Argus-Courier Staff
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 11:06 AM CDT
Felony charges are pending against a Van Buren city official who was arrested for aggravated assault Saturday afternoon after shooting his gun during an argument with his wife.
Larry Ricketts, street superintendent for the city of Van Buren, allegedly kicked his 50-year-old wife Anita Ann Ricketts in the head and shot the wall during an argument in their Van Buren home, according to police reports.
Prosecuting Attorney Marc McCune said Tuesday morning he was still awaiting reports on the alleged incident.
The couple were arguing over Larry not taking his anti-depression medication when Larry got off the couch and kicked Anita in the back of the head, reports state. Larry then went to the closet safe and came back with a .40 caliber handgun, shooting the wall close to where Anita was sitting on the floor, reports state.
Anita told police that Larry's body was shaking and he continued to wave the gun at her, and she called police when Larry walked out of the room for a few minutes, reports state. Larry only returned the gun to the safe after police arrived, Anita said in the reports.
When police arrived, Larry was visibly agitated and told police he was upset over marital problems he and his wife had been having, reports state. Larry then told police he had fired a shot in the wall to "get Anita to shut up," according to the reports. He showed police the area of the wall that was shot and gave the arresting officer the gun, reports state.
Larry was taken into custody at 2 p.m. Saturday and released on $5,000 bond at 4:06 p.m.
Mayor Bob Freeman declined to comment pending a complete investigation.